'Riverdale' Star Camila Mendes Says She Was Sexually Assaulted In College

posted by Hayden Brooks -
Sep 9, 2019

Camila Mendes got candid with Women's Health for her latest cover story and the interview heard the Riverdale star recall a terrifying experience during her freshman year at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

While speaking about her "to build a home" cursive tattoo on her rib, the 25-year-old star opened up about the incident. "I got the tattoo after my freshman year. I had a very, very bad experience; I was roofied by someone who sexually assaulted me,'" Mendes recalled while holding back tears. From that moment on, the actress told the mag that she'd always try to make herself feel safe and comfortable. Her ink reminds her to maintain a sense of self and environment.

Elsewhere in the feature, Mendes spoke about what physical activities she involves herself in when she's she's going through a tough time. "I danced for seven years, from age 4 to 11. Then I did musicals as a kid, then so much of acting school is movement classes and connecting your breath to your body," she continued. "Activity has always been an important part of my life."

Over on Mendes' Instagram, the star reflected on the importance of her cover story, emphasizing both physical and mental health. "Officially a healthy woman!!!! thank you @womenshealthmag 🙏🏽✨ this cover means so much to me. it took me a while to view self confidence as a product of physical & mental health, instead of appearance and thinness," she wrote. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to spread that message; i could have used it way earlier in my life."